PLEASE NOTE: This is the presentation only version free to ACSM National Members . The full course (1.0 CEC) can be accessed by members and non-members here: Resistance Training for the Mass(es) | American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
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In this "From Around the Field" offering, Dr. Stuart Phillips will discuss how resistance training can be scaled for nearly anyone, from novices to older adults, and why building strength and muscle is a cornerstone of healthspan. He reviews the evidence on the key programming variables that matter most for meaningful adaptation (effort, volume, frequency, and load), including when lighter loads can be a practical option. The session covers how basic nutrition strategies, especially adequate daily protein intake and creatine supplementation, support training outcomes, with clear take-home recommendations that clinicians, coaches, and exercisers can apply. We examine why resistance training is a foundational intervention for improving physical function and metabolic health across the lifespan, and how to program it in a way that is realistic for busy people. Dr. Phillips compares common approaches to strength and hypertrophy training, highlight the roles of effort and volume, and address practical barriers to uptake and adherence. We also cover how protein intake and selected supplements (with a focus on creatine) interact with training to support gains in lean mass, strength, and functional performance.
